Preamp or Pickups?

DBDbadreligion · 08-08-2007, 09:10 PM

hi,

i have a ibanez active 5 string.
it has bartolini mk-1 pickups(these are not real bartolini's they are licensed)
and an ibanez vari-mid preamp in it.

i want to improve the clarity and overall sound of this bass.
so should change out the preamp or the pickups?
i like to play jazz/fusion, rock, blues, alternative, and funk.

thanks alot,

nick

OzzyC · 08-08-2007, 09:13 PM

Well...what are you running it through?

DBDbadreligion · 08-08-2007, 10:22 PM

a fender rumble 100 combo amp

darren · 08-09-2007, 08:21 AM

Maybe email Bartolini and see what they recommend.

rummy · 08-09-2007, 10:56 AM

Ibanez does use cheapy electronics. I think their pickup/preamp section is the #1 reason why Ibanez basses get such a bad name.

Agilar makes great preamps, like this OBP3
Aguilar Amplification

DBDbadreligion · 08-09-2007, 12:23 PM

how much would replacing the vari-mid, with an OBP-3 improve clarity and overall tone? would it be a dramatic change? would it be very noticeable?

rummy · 08-09-2007, 03:59 PM

I would imagine so. I don't have an Ibanez to make comparison, but a buddy of mine swears by the OBP3 on his Jazz. It made the sound cleaner and clearer. Your mileage may vary.

shadowgenesis · 08-11-2007, 06:06 PM

What does the tone of your bass sound like now? I have a BTB 4-string I got a while back. I haven't touched it in forever because the tone is too.. i dunno. It sounded great for the punk rock bass stuff i was into back then, but I want it to sound rounded and smooth and... awesome? More like a fender or something traditional.

so erm. yes. I will be keeping an eye on this thread

08-08-2007, 09:13 PM	#2
OzzyC :ubersquint: Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: USA Posts: 3,314 Real Name: AntonioPetrucci Main Seven: RG1527RB Main ERG: I can has ERG? Rig: GNX3000 Thanked: 17	Well...what are you running it through? You've got your head down You've got your eyes closed You look so pitiful now Your body encrusted with ash Breath heavy with toxins Hair singed and matted Clothes frayed and burnt You are left with nothing

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08-08-2007, 09:10 PM	#1
DBDbadreligion ss.org Regular Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Georgia Posts: 368 Real Name: Nick Main Seven: Ibanez RG7620BK Rig: Crate XT120R Thanked: 0	Preamp or Pickups? hi, i have a ibanez active 5 string. it has bartolini mk-1 pickups(these are not real bartolini's they are licensed) and an ibanez vari-mid preamp in it. i want to improve the clarity and overall sound of this bass. so should change out the preamp or the pickups? i like to play jazz/fusion, rock, blues, alternative, and funk. thanks alot, nick www.myspace.com/nicklandt My Guitars: (Black) 1989 Charvel Model 3 - (Black) Ibanez RG7620 My Amp /Effects: Crate xt120R > Dunlop Original Crybaby > Boss DS-1 > DOD FX40B EQ > Boss TR-2 > Boss DD-3 > Digi-Tech Whammy Pedal > (Whammy Dry Out)Boss TU-2 > Rocktron Hush Pedal.

08-08-2007, 10:22 PM	#3
DBDbadreligion ss.org Regular Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Georgia Posts: 368 Real Name: Nick Main Seven: Ibanez RG7620BK Rig: Crate XT120R Thanked: 0	a fender rumble 100 combo amp

08-09-2007, 08:21 AM	#4
darren Mr. Negative Pants™ Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Greater Toronto Area, Canada Posts: 7,829 Main Seven: OMFG! EBMM JP7 Main ERG: Agile Intrepid Standard Rig: GT6PowerBlockThiele Thanked: 40	Maybe email Bartolini and see what they recommend.

08-09-2007, 10:56 AM	#5
rummy maybe this year Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Chicago Posts: 902 Real Name: J.C. Main Seven: RG7421 Rig: GH50L/Recto 2X12 Thanked: 2	Ibanez does use cheapy electronics. I think their pickup/preamp section is the #1 reason why Ibanez basses get such a bad name. Agilar makes great preamps, like this OBP3 Aguilar Amplification

08-09-2007, 12:23 PM	#6
DBDbadreligion ss.org Regular Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Georgia Posts: 368 Real Name: Nick Main Seven: Ibanez RG7620BK Rig: Crate XT120R Thanked: 0	how much would replacing the vari-mid, with an OBP-3 improve clarity and overall tone? would it be a dramatic change? would it be very noticeable?

08-09-2007, 03:59 PM	#7
rummy maybe this year Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Chicago Posts: 902 Real Name: J.C. Main Seven: RG7421 Rig: GH50L/Recto 2X12 Thanked: 2	I would imagine so. I don't have an Ibanez to make comparison, but a buddy of mine swears by the OBP3 on his Jazz. It made the sound cleaner and clearer. Your mileage may vary.

08-11-2007, 06:06 PM	#8
shadowgenesis Yarrrrrr Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Bed Sty, Brooklyn, Ny Posts: 1,291 Real Name: dAN Rig: ? Thanked: 14	What does the tone of your bass sound like now? I have a BTB 4-string I got a while back. I haven't touched it in forever because the tone is too.. i dunno. It sounded great for the punk rock bass stuff i was into back then, but I want it to sound rounded and smooth and... awesome? More like a fender or something traditional. so erm. yes. I will be keeping an eye on this thread


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Preamp or Pickups?